St Kilda v Hawthorn

The Saints stuttered last weekend in their defeat at the hands of the Magpies by 48 points to snap their winning streak, so expect St Kilda to come out all guns blazing.

Hawthorn put on a powerful display to smash Brisbane by a huge 75 points as they seem to be coming together just at the right time of the

season.

In their loss last week the Saints just could not it match it in intensity with the Magpies, it didn’t help that Nick Dal Santo pulled out late with injury and Nick Riewoldt still finding his way into form.

Hawthorn are starting to get even contributions from everyone and it showed in last round’s demolition of Brisbane.

Jarryd Roughead stepped up with 4 goals after the late withdrawal of Franklin and was aide by Jordan Lewis (4 goals).

This match should be an intriguing battle but a real concern for St Kilda is whether they can truly kick a winning score.

Hawthorn are a very attacking team and with the inclusion of Lance Franklin up forward mabe just too much for St Kilda to handle.

Hawthorn by 22 points

Collingwood v Richmond

Collingwood are shaping up to true threats to Geelong’s premiership defense and after last week’s efforts now sit on top of the AFL ladder.

The Magpies were simply ruthless with their man on man pressure and were led well by Dane Swan (36 possessions),  Alan Didak (33) and Scott Pendlebury (27).

Richmond disappointed in their 50 point loss to North Melbourne and it really exposed their lack of experience, especially in tough conditions.

Brett Deledio continues to be a shining light for Richmond accross halfback and Jack Riewoldt still managed to kick 3 goals but it was very much a more subdued effort from the Tiges.

Damien Hardwick will be looking for a much improved effort this week, but against the mighty Collingwood it will be more than a hard task.

Collingwood by 47 points

Geelong v Brisbane

Geelong had a shock 11 point loss to Adelaide last Friday night and seemed to be dazed by the Crows relentless attack on the ball.

Joel Selwood (35 disposals) and Paul Chapman (25) battled hard, but in a low scoring affair the Geelong forwards failed to make a huge impact on the board.

Brisbane are in a slump and don’t look likely of getting out of it anytime soon after 75 point pasting by the Hawks last round.

Jonathan Brown kicked 3 goals but the Lions had very few highlights on the day struggling to get the ball into their forward 50 for most of the day.

This match could be all over in the first half with the Cats looking to rebound and Brisbane not looking likely to offer any challenge at all.

Geelong by 52 points

North Melbourne v Essendon

The Kangaroos keep improving and are knocking on the door of the top 8 after a solid 50 point win over Richmond last weekend.

Andrew Swallow cleaned up with 31 touches Leigh Adams (3 goals) offered something up forward for the Kangaroos, as the Roos showed hunger and grit in trying conditions.

Matthew Knights is facing further scrutiny now with the Bombers slumping to their sixth loss after going down to wooden spoon contenders West Coast by 32 points.

Jobe Watson, Paddy Ryder and Brent Stanton had very quiet games and the match was ridlled with errors.

North should win but with their backs to the wall Essendon usually don’t give up without a fight.

North Melbourne by 26 points

West Coast v Carlton

The Eagles had a motivational 32 point win over the Bombers last round and Mark LeCras‘ herculean 12 goal haul, single handedly lifted West Coast to a surprise away win.

The experienced trio of Matthew Priddis, Adam Selwood and Andrew Embley led the way for West Coast in what was an unexpected win on the road.

Carlton disappointed yet again with a 39 point loss to Sydney as the Blues struggle to stay afloat and in the top 8.

With a midfield full of talent the Blues should be a lot better than they are but there doesn’t seem to be any cohesion in their football and too many players not willing to work hard enough.

Carlton have Judd, Murphy, Gibbs who are A class players but the other players that make up the team are too inconsistent to be relied upon.

West Coast at home are surely a good chance of winning this encounter.

West Coast by 9 points

Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

Two wins in a row and things at least on the field are starting to look better for the Western Bulldogs, as they face stiff competition in the form of Fremantle this week.

It doesn’t help having the controversial axing of Aker the Yaker to distract the Dogs this week but problems aside, the Western Bulldogs have been playing themselves back into form.

Fremantle had a lucky escape last week after leading by as much as 44 points, they just managed to hold out to the Demons by 11 points.

The inclusion of Barry Hall for this match will make life tough for the Dockers but with a top 4 spot up for grabs this should be a tight contest.

Western Bulldogs by 10 points

Melbourne v Sydney Swans

The Demons have been playing some very promising, competitive football but at the end of the day, fail to put the cherry on top and seal a win for their hard earned efforts.

They came oh so close yet again going down by 11 points but showed great fight to come back from being 44 points behind Fremantle.

Brad Green had another terrific game and is having a great season, while Tom Scully led the way amoungst the younger brigade.

They face a tough task in Sydney who look a much better team kicking a decent score and beating a once favoured Blues side.

Adam Goodes had another dominant game and Rhyce Shaw chipped in with 3 goals to sink Carlton by 39 points.

The Dees shouldn’t be underestimated but the experience of the Swans will see them get the 4 points.

Sydney by 21 points

Port Adelaide v Adelaide

A South Australian showdown often can produce the unexpected but at the moment the forms of both teams are miles apart.

Port Adelaide have 9 losses in a row after a hiding in the top end by the Western Bulldogs.

Meanwhile Adelaide are on fire with 4 wins and the latest being a shock win over reigning champs Geelong.

While one S.A team looks like giant killers, the other seems to be in a world of pain.

Adelaide by 45 points

Your Round 17 Tips & Observations

So what are your tips & observations for round 17 of the 2010 AFL season? Do you agree with Johnnytruent?

If yes or no please post your tips and observations about the round in the comments section.

We will keep a running tally of the tips throughout the year, so make sure you get your tips in on time & you never know there could be a prize for the winner.

If you have not added your tips yet that is ok, please feel free to add them and what your ongoing tally is.